Research at The Heart Institute of the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center is multidisciplinary and widely varied, dealing with numerous issues and questions which are constantly arising during the practice of cardiovascular medicine. In the research laboratories basic science studies are carried out, conceived and planned by members of The Heart Institute staff. In the clinical research facility, patients participate in studies which investigate the efficacy of new, improved medicines and treatments.

Basic science

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. The facilities of The Research Center enable the physicians of The Heart Institute to engage in basic science research in conjunction with their ongoing clinical practice. The complementary work at patients’ bedsides and in the research laboratories spark the scientific mind, defining the issues at hand and providing the proper advanced setting and trained personnel for investigation of possible solutions. The studies investigate the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction, development and testing of new imaging and diagnostic modalities, and innovative prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

In addition to the physicians, The Center boasts a skilled staff of researchers, students and technicians. There is also much cooperation with researchers in other departments of the hospital, the university laboratories of the faculties of medicine, dentistry and pharmacology, and with numerous research centers throughout Israel and worldwide.

The Center’s laboratories are well equipped with the most modern technology used in cardiac research. Being located at Ein Kerem within the vibrant campus of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Medicine, The Center also has access to the facilities of the Faculty: advanced technology and equipment, laboratories, surgical facilities and also the assistance of additional skilled and highly motivated technicians. Early in 2007 The Center will be moving to its new, spacious permanent site.

The pursuit of excellence characterizing the work carried out by the researchers at The Hadassah Cardiovascular Research Center has resulted in prestigious awards and grants as well as publication in leading scientific literature. 

Clinical research

Clinical trials conducted at The Heart Institute study the safety and efficacy of new developments in cardiac treatment, including in-hospital and long-term medication and new coronary stent design and drug application. These studies are a vital stage of testing to assure safety and efficacy of products and techniques before they are distributed widely. Others trials compare various modalities of treatment, with the aim of deciding and instructing physicians on the most appropriate courses of treatment for various conditions.

These clinical trials are always conducted with the most stringent care, to ensure the wellbeing of the participants. Prior to initiation all studies undergo rigorous scrutiny by The Ministry of Health, the hospital Internal Review Board and the cardiologists. Participants in the trials are regularly followed-up by the physicians, nurses and study coordinators. The staff is also available to them at all times.

The director of the clinical research facility and the rest of the staff are at all times in close contact with the appropriate representatives of the parent organizations of each trial, whether in Israel or internationally. This enables them to be constantly updated on the progress of the trial, emphasizing any possible adverse effects of treatment on the one hand, and successful treatment on the other hand.

The clinical research facility of The Hadassah Heart Institute strives to combine keeping apace of international progress in medical science with providing the best possible medical treatment and warm care for patients and their families.